When I think of Grandma, so many things come to mind; family, food, laughter, wine, holidays, dancing, to name just a few. She was a tiny person who made a BIG impression when she walked in! Always the center of attention, she provided all of us with more stories to retell than she ever realized! Growing up, I recall many, many visits to Grandma's "house on the hill" in Havre de Grace. There was always a big pot of her amazing sauce, with meatballs and sausages, on the stove and Rosemary Chicken and potatoes in the oven. She'd lay out a big spread on the dining room table and, just when you'd eaten so much you felt you might burst, she'd insist you have a little more! In my adulthood, I found her to be wildly entertaining! With a cigarette in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, she would recount a story that would have you in stitches! And when the music started, she was always the first one on her feet! Christmases were especially memorable with Grandma around! She just loved opening presents, but never gave quite the reaction that the gift-giver was hoping for; as she was so eager to grab the next package in her pile! As a result, Ron and I were often her "cheerleaders"; ooohing and aaahing over every gift just to get her excited! One year, I had wracked my brain trying to figure out what to buy for Grandma; she always got such nice things from so many people, especially my mom. Well, at that time, Grandma was a diehard wrestling fan; so I got her a stuffed Hulk Hogan doll. That Christmas evening, after all the gifts had been unwrapped, Grandma had dozens of boxes at her feet; beautiful new clothes and jewelry and collectibles; and there she sat in the recliner, sound asleep hugging that Hulk Hogan doll! ;) She could cut a rug, belt out a tune, and whip up an award-winning spaghetti sauce. She was feisty and fearless, brash and unfiltered; and if she had an opinion, you were sure going to hear about it, accompanied by a hand gesture or two if needed for emphasis! And though her tongue probably got her in hot water more than once (I know this because she told me on more than one occasion, "Oh dammit, RonniLynne, I went and opened my big mouth again!"), I think it served her well over the years. She's been know to run off an intruder or two, and most certainly put more than a few well-deserved folks in their place! She was outspoken and tough as nails, and you know, for a woman of her generation, I find that to be admirable. She was her own unique self and lived life on her own terms. I've been saddened over the past few years that Grandma was no longer able to do many of the things she loved. But now, I am at peace knowing that she is once again kicking up her heels to heavenly music and singing louder than any angel. So, Grandma, I love you, I will miss you, and I will cherish the memories that you have left with me until we see each other again.